DOUBLE-REEVED LIFTING DEVICE WITH A ROTARY LOCKING MECHANISM

Abstract

A double-reeved lifting device includes a lower reeve block secured to a lifting hook and an upper reeve block, wherein the two reeve blocks include reversible connection means adapted to be reversibly configured between a connected configuration and a disconnected configuration. The reversible connection means include a locking mechanism and a complementary locking structure respectively having at least one striker orifice and a bolt slidably movable and supporting a locking finger adapted to rotatably cooperate with the striker orifice, and respective guide elements cooperating together so as to convert a relative approach and a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks into concomitants slidings and rotations of the bolt.

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A double-reeved lifting device for a lifting machinery, the lifting device comprising two reeve blocks including a lower reeve block secured to a lifting hook and an upper reeve block, wherein the two reeve blocks comprise reversible connection means adapted to be reversibly configured between: a connected configuration in which the upper reeve block is connected to the lower reeve block so as to be able to accompany the lower reeve block in ascending/descending movements, and a disconnected configuration in which the upper reeve block is disconnected from the lower reeve block so as to be able to remain hanging above the lower reeve block such that the lower reeve block is configured to perform descending/ascending movements without the upper reeve block, wherein the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration respectively correspond to a double-reeved configuration and to a simple-reeved configuration, or vice versa, of the double-reeved lifting device, wherein the reversible connection means comprise a locking mechanism mounted on one of the two reeve blocks, and a complementary locking structure mounted on the other one of the two reeve blocks and adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism; wherein the complementary locking structure comprises a set forming a striker having at least one striker orifice, and the locking mechanism comprises a bolt mounted slidably movable along a spindle along a main axis and comprising at least one locking finger, wherein the bolt is also pivotally movable around the spindle and the main axis between: a locking state, applied in the connected configuration, with the locking finger inside the considered striker orifice, and an unlocking state, applied in the disconnected configuration, with the locking finger out of the considered striker orifice so as to enable a relative approach and a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks, and wherein the locking mechanism and the complementary locking structure comprise respective guide elements cooperating together so as to convert a relative approach and a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks into concomitant slidings and rotations of the bolt.

25. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 24, wherein the complementary locking structure comprises a catch against which the bolt is configured to abut during a relative approach between the two reeve blocks for a sliding of the bolt in a first sliding direction, and the locking mechanism comprises an elastic biasing element, urging the bolt to slide in a second sliding direction, opposite to the first sliding direction.

26. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 25, wherein the guide elements comprise complementary guide elements provided on the locking mechanism so as to cooperate in sliding bearing in order to convert a sliding the bolt in the first sliding direction into a concomitant first rotation of the bolt, and a sliding of the bolt in the second sliding direction into a concomitant second rotation of the bolt.

27. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 26, wherein the first rotation and the second rotation are performed in the same rotational direction.

28. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 26, wherein a sequence of the first rotation and of the second rotation leads to an overall rotation of the bolt at an overall angular amplitude that is equivalent to 90 degrees or to 90 degrees plus N times 180 degrees, N being an integer other than zero.

29. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 28, wherein the first rotation is performed at a first angular amplitude and the second rotation is performed at a second angular amplitude, wherein each of the first angular amplitude and the second angular amplitude are equivalent to 45 degrees.

30. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 26, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: the spindle extending along the main axis and provided with a free end having a stop for the bolt; the bolt mounted rotatably and slidably movable around the spindle along the main axis, the bolt comprising the at least one locking finger extending transversely with respect to the main axis, wherein the bolt has a distal end facing the stop, and a proximal end opposite to the distal end; and the elastic biasing element mounted on the spindle and bearing on the proximal end of the bolt to slidably urge it in the direction of the stop in the second sliding direction; wherein the complementary locking structure comprises a locking housing in which are provided: the catch against which the distal end of the bolt is configured to abut upon a relative approach between the two reeve blocks, urging the bolt to slide in the direction of a complementary proximal guide element in the first sliding direction, against the elastic biasing element; and the set forming the striker having the at least one striker orifice; and wherein the complementary guide elements comprise: at least one proximal guide element provided on the proximal end of the bolt and at least one complementary proximal guide element provided on the spindle so as to cooperate in sliding bearing with the proximal guide element in order to convert a sliding of the bolt in the direction of the complementary proximal guide element in the first sliding direction into the concomitant first rotation of the bolt, upon a relative approach between the two reeve blocks; at least one distal guide element provided on the distal end of the bolt and at least one complementary distal guide element provided on the spindle so as to cooperate in sliding bearing with the distal guide element in order to convert a displacement of the bolt in the direction of the stop and of the complementary distal guide element in the second sliding direction into the concomitant second rotation of the bolt, by the effect of the elastic biasing element upon a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks.

31. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 30, wherein the locking housing has a bottom wall in which an opening is formed for the passage of the free end of the spindle and of its stop, the opening being delimited by a periphery forming the catch.

32. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 30, wherein the set forming the striker comprises at least one lateral flange delimiting the locking housing and in which the striker orifice is provided.

33. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 32, wherein the bolt comprises two locking fingers, diametrically opposite one another with respect to the main axis, and the set forming the striker comprises two lateral flanges facing each other, disposed on either side of the catch, and in which two respective striker orifices are provided facing each other.

34. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 30, wherein the bolt comprises: an inner part mounted around the spindle and on which the at least one distal guide element and the at least one proximal guide element are provided; and an outer sleeve which surrounds the inner part and from which the at least one locking finger projects, wherein the elastic biasing element bears on said outer sleeve.

35. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 34, wherein the at least one locking finger is fastened to the inner part and crosses the outer sleeve.

36. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 30, wherein the at least one proximal guide element comprises several proximal ramps successively distributed around the main axis on the proximal end of the bolt, and the at least one complementary proximal guide element comprises one or several proximal dowel pin(s) projecting radially on the spindle in order to slidably bear on one of the proximal ramps.

37. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 30, wherein the at least one distal guide element comprises several distal ramps successively distributed around the main axis on the proximal end of the bolt, and the at least one complementary distal guide element comprises one or several distal dowel pin(s) projecting radially on the spindle in order to slidably bear on one of the distal ramps.

38. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 36, wherein the at least one distal guide element comprises several distal ramps successively distributed around the main axis on the proximal end of the bolt, and the at least one complementary distal guide element comprises one or several distal dowel pin(s) projecting radially on the spindle in order to slidably bear on one of the distal ramps, and wherein the proximal ramps and the distal ramps are inclined in opposite directions around the main axis, so that the first rotation and the second rotation of the bolt is performed in the same rotational direction, during the conversions of the slidings of the bolt in the first sliding direction and the second sliding direction respectively.

39. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 24, wherein the at least one locking finger extends orthogonally to the main axis, and the at least one striker orifice comprises a first oblong section along a direction perpendicular to the main axis and perpendicular to the locking finger in the locking state.

40. The double-reeved lifting device according to claim 39, wherein the at least one striker orifice comprises a second oblong section along a direction parallel to the main axis, disposed at the middle of the first oblong section.

41. A lifting machinery comprising a jib and the double-reeved lifting device according to claim 24, the double-reeved lifting device formed so as to lift/lower a load along the jib, wherein the lower reeve block hangs from the jib by a lifting rope connected to a lifting winch to make the lower reeve block ascend/descend, the lifting rope passing through the upper reeve block, and wherein: starting from the disconnected configuration with the upper reeve block hanging above the lower reeve block and with the bolt in the unlocking state, the lower reeve block is configured to be displaced so that the respective guide elements cooperate together so as to make the bolt slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set the bolt into the locking state to reach the connected configuration; and starting from the connected configuration with the bolt in the locking position, the lower reeve block could be displaced so that the respective guide elements cooperate together so as to make the bolt slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set the bolt into the unlocking state to reach the disconnected configuration.

42. The lifting machinery according to claim 41, wherein the complementary locking structure comprises a catch against which the bolt is configured to abut during a relative approach between the two reeve blocks for a sliding of the bolt in a first sliding direction, and the locking mechanism comprises an elastic biasing element, urging the bolt to slide in a second sliding direction, opposite to the first sliding direction, wherein the guide elements comprise complementary guide elements provided on the locking mechanism so as to cooperate in sliding bearing in order to convert a sliding the bolt in the first sliding direction into a concomitant first rotation of the bolt, and a sliding of the bolt in the second sliding direction into a concomitant second rotation of the bolt, and starting from the disconnected configuration, the lower reeve block is configured to be raised for a relative approach between the two reeve blocks until the upper reeve block reaches a high stop on the jib and the bolt abuts against the catch in order to make the bolt slide in the first sliding direction and make the bolt pivot concomitantly into the first rotation of the bolt, and then the lower reeve block could be lowered so that the bolt slides in the second sliding direction urged by the elastic biasing element and concomitantly pivots into the second rotation of the bolt, thereby setting the bolt in the locking state; and starting from the connected configuration, the lower reeve block is configured to be raised until the upper reeve block reaches the high stop on the jib and the bolt abuts against the catch in order to make the bolt slide in the first sliding direction and make it pivot concomitantly into the first rotation of the bolt, and then the lower reeve block is configured to be lowered so that the bolt slides in the second sliding direction urged by the elastic biasing element and concomitantly pivots into the second rotation of the bolt, thereby setting the bolt in the unlocking state.

43. The lifting machinery according to claim 42, comprising a dispensing carriage movably mounted on the jib and linked to a dispensing system adapted to displace the dispensing carriage along the jib in opposite forward direction and backward direction, and wherein the lower reeve block hangs from the dispensing carriage by the lifting rope.

44. A method for lifting a load in the lifting machinery according to claim 43, the method, comprising: a connection phase for a switch from the disconnected configuration into the connected configuration, during which the lower reeve block is displaced so that the respective guide elements cooperate together to make the bolt slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set it in the locking state to reach the connected configuration; and a disconnection phase for a switch from the connected configuration into the disconnected configuration, during which the lower reeve block is displaced so that the respective guide elements cooperate together so as to make the bolt slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set it in the unlocking state to reach the disconnected configuration.

45. The lifting method according to claim 44, wherein: in the connection phase, the lower reeve block is raised for a relative approach between the two reeve blocks until the upper reeve block reaches the high stop on the jib and the bolt abuts against the catch in order to make the bolt slide in the first sliding direction and make it pivot concomitantly into the first rotation of the bolt, and then said lower reeve block is lowered so that said bolt slides in the second sliding direction urged by the elastic biasing element and concomitantly pivots into the second rotation of the bolt, thereby setting the bolt in the locking state; and in the disconnection phase, the lower reeve block is raised until the upper reeve block reaches the high stop on the jib and the bolt abuts against the catch in order to make the bolt slide in the first sliding direction and make it pivot concomitantly into the first rotation of the bolt, and then said lower reeve block is lowered so that said bolt slides in the second sliding direction urged by the elastic biasing element and concomitantly pivots into the second rotation of the bolt, thereby setting the bolt in the unlocking state.

46. The lifting method according to claim 44, wherein the displacements of the lower reeve block, in the connection phase and in the disconnection phased, are automated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will appear upon reading the detailed description hereinafter, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0083] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a double-reeved lifting device according to an embodiment, when hanging from a dispensing carriage, in a connected configuration (to the left) and in a disconnected configuration (to the right);

[0084] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an upper reeve block of the double-reeved lifting device of FIG. 1, in a non-exploded version (to the left) and in an exploded version (to the right) with zooming on the bolt to the bottom;

[0085] FIG. 3 is a schematic partial and perspective view of the upper reeve block, with some elements in transparency and with the bolt in the unlocking state;

[0086] FIG. 4 is a schematic partial and perspective view of the upper reeve block, with some elements in transparency and with the bolt in the locking state, at another viewpoint different from FIG. 3;

[0087] FIG. 5 is a schematic partial and perspective view of the upper reeve block, with some elements removed or in transparency and with the bolt in the locking state, at another viewpoint different from FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0088] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial and perspective view of the upper reeve block, with some elements removed or in transparency and with the bolt in the unlocking state;

[0089] FIG. 7 is a schematic partial and perspective view of the upper reeve block, with some elements removed or in transparency and with the bolt in the unlocking state, at another viewpoint different from FIG. 6;

[0090] FIG. 8 is a schematic partial and perspective view of the lower reeve block, with one flange removed for clarity;

[0091] FIG. 9 is a schematic partial and perspective view of the double-reeved lifting device of FIG. 1, in a disconnected configuration, with an almost complete view to the left and a view zoomed on the reversible connection means to the right;

[0092] FIG. 10 is a schematic view equivalent to that of FIG. 9, at the beginning of a first step of a disconnection phase which follows the disconnected configuration of FIG. 9, during which the lower reeve block is mounted until the bolt abuts against the catch;

[0093] FIG. 11 is a schematic view equivalent to that of FIGS. 9 and 10, at the middle of the first step of the disconnection phase, while the lower reeve block continues its rise so that the bolt starts its first rotation;

[0094] FIG. 12 is a schematic view equivalent to that of FIGS. 9-11, at the end of the first step of the disconnection phase, while the lower reeve block finishes its rise so that the bolt terminates its first rotation;

[0095] FIG. 13 is a schematic view equivalent to that of FIGS. 9-12, during a second step of the disconnection phase which follows the first step of FIGS. 10-12, during which the lower reeve block starts descending;

[0096] FIG. 14 is a schematic view equivalent to that of FIGS. 9-13, at the middle of the second step of the disconnection phase, while the lower reeve block continues its descent so that the bolt performs its second rotation and thus reaches its locking state in the first oblong sections of the striker orifices; and

[0097] FIG. 15 is a schematic view equivalent to that of FIGS. 9-14, at the end of the second step of the disconnection phase, while the lower reeve block finishes its descent so that the bolt rises in the second oblong sections of the striker orifices, thereby completing the connection between the reeve blocks.

DESCRIPTION

[0098] Referring to FIG. 1, a double-reeved lifting device 1 according to an embodiment is provided for a lifting machinery, such as for example a crane, which has a jib (not illustrated) and a dispensing carriage 9 movably mounted on the jib and linked to a dispensing system adapted to displace the dispensing carriage 9 along the jib in opposite forward direction and backward direction; this dispensing system consisting for example of a dispensing winch which cooperates with a dispensing rope for the displacement of the dispensing carriage 9.

[0099] This double-reeved lifting device 1 comprises two reeve blocks 3, 4, namely: [0100] a lower reeve block 3 secured to a lifting hook 30 intended to hook a load, wherein the lower reeve block 3 hangs from the dispensing carriage 9 (and therefore hangs from the jib) by a lifting rope (not illustrated) connected to a lifting winch so as to make the lower reeve block 3 rise/descend; and an upper reeve block 4 through which the lifting rope passes, the upper reeve block 4 also hanging from the dispensing carriage 9.

[0101] Also, the lower reeve block 3 supports lower rope deflecting means, and the upper reeve block 4 supports upper rope deflecting means, such as for example a pulley 41, for the passage of the lifting rope. Thus, the double-reeved lifting device 1 is formed so as to lift/lower a load along the jib of the lifting machinery.

[0102] The two reeve blocks 3, 4 are equipped with reversible connection means adapted to be reversibly configured between: [0103] a connected configuration (illustrated in FIG. 1 to the left) in which the upper reeve block 4 is connected to the lower reeve block 3 so as to be able to accompany it in ascending/descending movements along a main axis having a vertical extension, and [0104] a disconnected configuration (illustrated in FIG. 1 to the right) in which the upper reeve block 4 is disconnected from the lower reeve block 3 so as to be able to remain hanging above the lower reeve block 3 which could perform descending/ascending movements alone without the upper reeve block 4.

[0105] Depending on the passage of the lifting rope in the lower rope deflecting means provided on the lower reeve block 3 and in the upper rope deflecting means provided on the upper reeve block 4, the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration respectively correspond to a double-reeved configuration and to a simple-reeved configuration, or vice versa, of the double-reeved lifting device 1; the simple-reeved configuration being associated to holding of the hook 30 (and therefore of the load) by two lifting strands of the lifting rope, and the double-reeved configuration being associated to holding of the hook 30 (and therefore of the load) by four lifting strands of the lifting rope.

[0106] The reeve block 4 supports, at the upper portion thereof, an upper stop 43 adapted to abut against the dispensing carriage 9, when the upper reeve block 4 is at the high stop on the jib, alone without the lower reeve block 3. For this purpose, and as shown in FIG. 1, a slot 90 is provided, on the underside of the dispensing carriage 9, into which the upper stop 43 fits and abuts.

[0107] The reversible connection means comprise a locking mechanism 5 mounted on the lower reeve block 3, and a complementary locking structure 6 mounted on the upper reeve block 4 and adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism 5.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 8, the complementary locking structure 6 is part of the lower reeve block 3 and it is provided above the lower rope deflecting means, and therefore above the two pulleys 31 in the illustrated example. This complementary locking structure 6 comprises a frame 60 having two walls 61 facing each other (only one wall 61 is shown in FIG. 8) and in which there is provided a locking housing 62 open onto the top of the lower reeve block 3, opposite the upper reeve block 4. It should be noted that the two pulleys 31 are mounted between the walls 61.

[0109] The locking housing 62 is in the form of an elongate-configured groove along the main axis (and therefore along a vertical direction), opening onto an upper sear 63 of the frame 60.

[0110] This frame 60 comprises a set forming a striker provided with two lateral flanges 64 facing each other, extending parallel to the main axis (and therefore along a vertical direction) and orthogonal to the walls 61, wherein these two lateral flanges 64 laterally delimit the locking housing 62. Striker orifices 65 are formed facing each other in the respective lateral flanges 64, so that this set forming the striker has two striker orifices 65 facing each other.

[0111] This frame 60 also comprises a bottom wall 66 in which an opening 67 is formed delimited by a periphery forming a catch 68. This bottom wall 66 extends between the two lateral flanges 64, orthogonal to the main axis. Thus, the two lateral flanges 64 are disposed on either side of this catch 68.

[0112] Each striker orifice 65 has an inverted «T»-like general shape, and comprises a first oblong section 651 along a direction perpendicular to the main axis, and a second oblong section 652 along a direction parallel to the main axis, disposed at the middle of the first oblong section 651; wherein this second oblong section 652 extends upwards (in the direction of the upper reeve block 4) from the middle of the first oblong section 651.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the locking mechanism 5 is part of the upper reeve block 4 and there are provided upper rope deflecting means beneath it, and therefore under the pulley 41 in the illustrated example. This locking mechanism 5 comprises: [0114] a spindle 50 fixedly mounted on the upper reeve block 4 extending along the main axis and provided with a free end having a stop 51 with an enlarged section; [0115] a bolt 52 mounted slidably movable around the spindle 50 along the main axis and also pivotally movable around the spindle 50 and the main axis, wherein this bolt 52 is disposed above the stop 51 which therefore forms a stop for the bolt 52; [0116] an elastic biasing element 53 mounted on the spindle 50 and urging the bolt 62 to slide in the direction of the stop 51.

[0117] The bolt 52 has a distal end 521 facing the stop 51, and a proximal end 522 opposite to the distal end 521. The elastic biasing element 53 is in the form of a spring mounted around the spindle 50 and bearing on this proximal end 522 of the bolt 52 to urge it to slide in the direction of the stop 51 along a sliding direction called second sliding direction later on (sliding downwards in the illustrated example).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 2, the bolt 52 comprises a cylindrical-configured inner part 54, mounted around the spindle 50 and adapted to slide along the spindle 50 and to rotate around the spindle 50. This inner part 54 supports two locking fingers 55 extending transversely with respect to the main axis, and more specifically orthogonally to the main axis. The two locking fingers 55 are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the main axis. The bolt 52 also comprises an outer sleeve 56 which surrounds the inner part 54, wherein the two locking fingers 55 cross the outer sleeve 56 before projecting outwardly from this outer sleeve 56. It should be noted that the elastic biasing element 53 bears on this outer sleeve 56, via a cap 560. Each of the two locking fingers 55 may consist of a rod crossing both the outer sleeve 56 and the inner part 54, yet without fitting into the spindle 50 in order not to hinder sliding and rotation of the bolt 52 around the spindle 50.

[0119] It should be noted that the set comprising the spindle 50 and the bolt 52 is adapted to fit inside the locking housing 62 of the complementary locking structure 6 during a relative approach between the two reeve blocks 3, 4, until the stop 51 fits inside the opening 67 provided in the bottom wall 66 and then the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 abuts against the periphery of the opening forming the catch 68 and thus the bolt 52 slides in a first sliding direction (sliding upwards in the illustrated example) by the effect of the push exerted by the catch 68. Also, it should be noted that the opening 67 is sized for the passage of the free end of the spindle 50 and of its stop 51.

[0120] Conversely, the absence of such a push exerted by the catch 68 on the bolt 52, and therefore during a relative spacing between the two reeve blocks 3, 4, the elastic biasing element 53 urges the bolt 52 to slide in the second sliding direction (for recall, sliding downwards in the illustrated example), opposite to the first sliding direction.

[0121] Moreover, the locking mechanism 5 comprises complementary guide elements intended to cooperate in sliding bearing in order to: convert a sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction into a concomitant first rotation of the bolt 52, and [0122] convert a sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction, opposite to the first sliding direction, into a concomitant second rotation of the bolt 52.

[0123] These complementary guide elements comprise the following means configured so as to convert a sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction into a concomitant first rotation of the bolt 52: [0124] several proximal ramps 57 formed on the inner part 54, at the level of the proximal end 522 of the bolt 52, and more specifically on a proximal peripheral edge (directed upwards in the illustrated example) of the inner part 54, wherein these proximal ramps 57 are successively distribute around the main axis and form proximal guide elements; and [0125] two proximal dowel pins 570 projecting radially on the spindle 50, disposed facing the proximal end 522 of the bolt 52 (and therefore disposed above the bolt 52 in the illustrated example), wherein these proximal dowel pins 570 form complementary proximal guide elements configured so as to slidably bear on the proximal ramps 57 when the bolt 52 slides in the first sliding direction, so that the proximal ramps 570 will slip along the proximal dowel pins 570 and will thus make the bolt 52 rotate into the first rotation.

[0126] These complementary guide elements comprise the following means configured so as to convert a sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction into a concomitant second rotation of the bolt 52: [0127] several distal ramps 58 formed on the inner part 54, at the level of the distal end 521 of the bolt 52, and more specifically on a distal peripheral edge (directed downwards in the illustrated example) of the inner part 54, wherein these distal ramps 58 are successively distribute around the main axis and form distal guide elements; and [0128] two distal dowel pins 580 projecting radially on the spindle 50, disposed facing the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 (and therefore disposed under the bolt 52 in the illustrated example), wherein these distal dowel pins 580 form complementary distal guide elements configured so as to slidably bear on the distal ramps 58 when the bolt 52 slides in the second sliding direction, so that the distal ramps 58 will slip along the distal dowel pins 580 and will thus make the bolt 52 rotate into the second rotation.

[0129] It should be noted that the shapes, dimensions and positioning of the proximal ramps 57, of the distal ramps 58, of the proximal dowel pins 570 and of the distal dowel pins 580, are such that the first rotation and the second rotation are performed in the same rotational direction, and that the first rotation is performed at a first angular amplitude of 45 degrees and the second rotation is performed at a second angular amplitude of 45 degrees. Also, a sequence of the first rotation and of the second rotation leads to an overall rotation of the bolt 52 at an overall angular amplitude that is equivalent to 90 degrees.

[0130] Thus, it is provided that the proximal ramps 57 and the distal ramps 58 are inclined in opposite directions around the main axis, so that the first rotation and the second rotation of the bolt 52 are performed in the same rotational direction. Moreover, each of the proximal ramps 57 and distal ramps 58 defines saw teeth-like profiles on the respective proximal and distal peripheral edges of the inner part 54, with ridges (in the form of tips) and valleys.

[0131] As it will be described later on, the bolt 52 is pivotally movable around the spindle 50 and the main axis between: [0132] a locking state (shown in FIGS. 2-5), applied in the connected configuration, in which the locking fingers 55 are adapted to extend inside the considered striker orifices 65, and [0133] an unlocking state (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), applied in the disconnected configuration, in which the locking fingers 55 are adapted to extend out of the considered striker orifices 65 so as to enable a relative approach and a relative spacing between the two reeve blocks 3, 4.

[0134] In the unlocking state, the locking fingers 55 extend parallel to the lateral flanges 64, so that the set comprising the spindle 50 and the bolt 52 could fit inside the locking housing 62 (upon a relative approach between the two reeve blocks 3, 4), and conversely could leave the locking housing 62 (upon a relative spacing between the two reeve blocks 3, 4), without the locking fingers 55 abutting against the lateral flanges 64.

[0135] In the locking state, the locking fingers 55 have pivoted by 90 degrees around the main axis, in comparison with the unlocking state, so that the locking fingers 55 could fit through the considered striker orifices 65 which are provided in the lateral flanges 64.

[0136] Thus, the complementary guide elements (proximal ramps 57, distal ramps 58, proximal dowel pins 570 and distal dowel pins 580), as well as the catch 68 and the elastic biasing element 53 together form respective guide elements to convert a relative approach and a relative spacing between the two reeve blocks 3, 4, into concomitant slidings and rotations of the bolt 52, to make this bolt 52 switch from a locking state into an unlocking state, and vice versa, and therefore to switch from a connected configuration into a disconnected configuration, and vice versa.

[0137] The locking mechanism 5 also comprises two slit walls 59, disposed on either side of the spindle 50, each having a slot open at the bottom (facing the lower reeve block 3), with a flared mouthpiece 590 adapted so that the frame 60 fits inside the slots of these slit walls 59 upon a relative approach between the two reeve blocks 3, 4 (as shown in FIG. 10), thereby promoting a centering of the spindle 50 and of the bolt 52 with the locking housing 62 of the complementary locking structure 6.

[0138] The following description covers a connection phase for the switch from the disconnected configuration into the connected configuration, with reference to FIGS. 9-15.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 9, in the disconnected configuration, the upper reeve block 4 hangs above the lower reeve block 3, with the lower reeve block 4 at the high stop on the jib. In this disconnected configuration, the bolt 52 is in its unlocking state, by the action of the elastic biasing element 53, with the distal dowel pins 580 which are at the bottom of the distal ramps 58, and with the proximal dowel pins 570 which are away and in front of the ridges of the proximal ramps 57 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0140] To switch from the disconnected configuration into the connected configuration, the lower reeve block 3 begins by being raised, as schematized by the arrow MO, for a relative approach between the two reeve blocks 3, 4, until the stop 51 fits inside the opening 67 provided in the bottom wall 66 (as shown in FIG. 10) and afterwards the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 abuts against the periphery of the opening 67 forming the catch 68 and thus the bolt 52 slides in the first sliding direction (sliding upwards in the illustrated example) by the effect of the push exerted by the catch 68.

[0141] Because of this sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction, the distal ramps 58 leave contact with the distal dowel pins 580 and, on the contrary, the proximal ramps 57 come into contact with the proximal dowel pins 570, thereby making the bolt 52 pivot into the first rotation of 45 degree, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. At the end of this first rotation, the proximal dowel pins 570 are at the bottom of the proximal ramps 57 and the distal dowel pins 580 are away and in front of the ridges of the distal ramps 58.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 13, the lower reeve block 3 is then displaced in descent, as schematized by the arrow DE, so that the catch 68 descends with the lower reeve block 68, which enables the elastic biasing element 53 to make the bolt 52 slide in the second sliding direction (sliding downwards in the illustrated example).

[0143] Because of this sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction, the proximal ramps 57 leave contact with the proximal dowel pins 570 and, on the contrary, the distal ramps 58 come into contact with the distal dowel pins 580, thereby making the bolt 52 pivot into the second rotation of 45 degree, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. At the end of this second rotation, the distal dowel pins 580 are at the bottom of the distal ramps 58 and the proximal dowel pins 570 are away and in front of the ridges of the proximal ramps 57 (as illustrated in FIG. 5), and also the locking fingers 55 fit inside the first oblong sections 651 of the respective striker orifices 65; the bolt 52 then being in its locking state.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 15, the lower reeve block 3 continues to be displaced in descent, as schematized by the arrow DE, until the locking fingers 55 also fit inside the second oblong sections 652 of the respective striker orifices 65, and thus the lower reeve block 3 an the upper reeve block 4 are connected, and then the lower reeve block 3 could continue its descent with the upper reeve block 4 in the connected configuration.

[0145] The following description covers a connection phase for switching from the connected configuration into the disconnected configuration.

[0146] To switch from the connected configuration into the disconnected configuration, the lower reeve block 3 is first raised (with the upper reeve block 4), until the upper reeve block 4 reaches the high stop on the jib, and more specifically until the upper stop 43 of the upper reeve block 4 abuts against the dispensing carriage 9, with its upper stop 43 fitted into the slot 90 provided on the underside of the dispensing carriage 9. It should be noted that the bolt 52 is in its locking state, with the locking fingers 55 which fit inside the second oblong sections 652 of the respective striker carriages 65.

[0147] Once the upper reeve block 4 is at the high stop, the lower reeve block 3 continues rising, while the upper reeve block 4 is blocked, so that the locking fingers 55 reach the first oblong sections 651 of the respective striker orifices 65, afterwards the stop 51 fits inside the opening 67 provided in the bottom wall 66 and afterwards the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 abuts against the periphery of the opening forming the catch 68 and thus the bolt 52 slides in the first sliding direction (sliding upwards in the illustrated example) by the effect of the push exerted by the catch 68.

[0148] This sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction leads to the first rotation of the bolt 52 by 45 degrees, as already described by the sliding contact between the proximal ramps 57 and the proximal dowel pins 570.

[0149] In a second step, the lower reeve block 3 is displaced in descent, so that the catch 68 descends with the lower reeve block 68, which enables the elastic biasing element 53 to make the bolt 52 slide in the second sliding directions.

[0150] This sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction leads to the second rotation of the bolt 52 by 45 degrees, as already described by the sliding contact between the distal ramps 58 and the distal dowel pins 580.

[0151] At the end of these two 45 degree rotations, the locking fingers 55 have pivoted by 90 degrees and have completely cleared the respective striker orifices 65; the bolt 52 then being in its unlocking state. Thus, the lower reeve block 3 and the upper reeve block 4 are disconnected, and then the lower reeve block 3 could continue its descent alone in the disconnected configuration, without the upper reeve block 4 which remains at the level of the dispensing carriage 9.

[0152] Thus, it should be noted that, in the connection phase and in the disconnection phase, only the control of the ascending/descending movements of the lower reeve block 3 allows switching from a connected configuration into the disconnected configuration, and vice versa. The control of the ascending/descending movements of the lower reeve block 3 is performed by controlling the lifting winch.

[0153] Also, it may be advantageous to automate the displacements of the lower reeve block 3, in the connection phase and in the disconnection phase, by means of a monitoring/control unit which drives the lifting winch. In this context of an automation of the connection and disconnection phases, it may be advantageous to provide for one or several sensor(s) allowing detecting relative positions between the lower reeve block 3 and the upper reeve block 4, such as for example a sensor allowing detecting when the upper reeve block 4 is at the high stop on the jib, and more specifically when the upper stop 43 of the upper reeve block 4 abuts against the dispensing carriage 9. Indeed, this position represents a starting point of the movements that will follow in the connection and disconnection phases.

[0154] Moreover, it could be considered to reverse the positions of the locking mechanism 5 and of the complementary locking structure 6 of the reversible connection means, by arranging the locking mechanism 5 on the lower reeve block 3 and by arranging the complementary locking structure 6 on the upper reeve block 4. It is also possible to operate with one single rotation of the bolt 52 for the locking mechanism 5. Alternatively, it is possible to operate with other rotational amplitudes or directions of the bolt 52. It could also be considered to provide for an elastic biasing element 53 other than a spring, such as for example an elastic leaf, a return mechanism, or other equivalent means.